Q: How does progesterone typically affect the female body?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Progesterone is one of the body’s major hormones, helping to regulate and stimulate various functions. In women, it plays an important part in maintaining pregnancy. This hormone is produced by the adrenal glands, the ovaries or the placenta during pregnancy. It also prepares a woman’s body for pregnancy and conception, as well as regulates her menstrual cycle.
Q: What are the effect of a decreased level of progesterone?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Decreased progesterone is often believed to be responsible in part for PMS symptoms such as mood swings and breast tenderness. Be aware that many of these symptoms can coincide with symptoms of other issues, however.
Q: Is there a particular role for progesterone in the human body?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Progesterone boosts thyroid function, reducing inflammation and swelling and normalizes blood-sugar levels.
Q: What are the leading symptoms of low progesterone?
Marla Ahlgrimm: In many cases, women will experience premenstrual sugar cravings, fluid retention, mood swings, fatigue, anxiety and depression.
Q: How has natural progesterone traditionally been derived?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Natural progesterone is generally produced using soybeans or Dioscorea, also known as Mexican wild yam.
Q: Are there different forms of natural progesterone available for women?
Marla Ahlgrimm: Natural progesterone creams, often referred to as transdermal progesterone, can be purchased over-the-counter. The capsule form is available with a prescription.
Q: What’s the best way to apply topical progesterone?
Marla Ahlgrimm: The best areas to apply progesterone cream are to the inner arms or thighs. You should consult your doctor before beginning treatment.
Marla Ahlgrimm has co-authored two ground-breaking books,